Urd, released in 2012, sees Borknagar continuing their tradition of blending melodic black metal with progressive and folk elements. The album showcases the band's mature sound, balancing aggressive riffs with atmospheric interludes and clean vocal passages.
- Urd was produced by Borknagar and Jens Bogren, with Bogren also handling the mixing and mastering at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. The album features guest vocals from ICS Vortex (Simen Hestnæs) on the track "The Wine of Grief." Urd charted at #19 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart in the US.
- The album's title, Urd, is one of the three Norns (Fates) in Norse mythology, representing the past. This title reflects the album's lyrical themes, which often delve into mythology, nature, and existentialism.
- Urd was released on Century Media Records, continuing a long-standing relationship between the band and the label. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics noting its cohesive structure and the band's consistent musical vision.
Borknagar is a Norwegian black metal band that explores elements of folk, doom, and progressive rock. Formed in 1995 by guitarist Øystein Garnes Brun, they are known for their evolving sound and conceptual depth. Urd was released in 2012, marking a period of stylistic refinement for the band. At this point, Borknagar had solidified their lineup and were continuing to blend harsh black metal with more melodic and atmospheric passages.
Tracklist
